Voter Guide: Adam Seidel

1.Describe your background, experience and public school involvement that qualify you for the Eden Prairie School Board.I have been an Eden Prairie resident, homeowner, and Eden Prairie Schools student since I was five years old - from kindergarten through 2006 EPHS graduation. I know the standard of education we expect. I’ve worked with countless teachers, parents, businesses, and students in our schools, and knows both the challenges and advantages in Eden Prairie Schools. I know what it takes to make a difference in our schools: in high school, I founded the EPHS singing valentines program, which continues to this day and raises thousands of dollars annually for the choir scholarship program.2.What are the growing trends in student needs, and how should the Eden Prairie School District address them?The achievement gap is a widely discussed issue, both locally and nationally, and for good reason. Eden Prairie is in a unique position to address this issue with cooperation from the local business community.As recent cooperation between Hennepin Tech, the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, and EP Schools proves, our local business community is eager to help our schools provide a competitive, 21st century education. Expanding our efforts to increase awareness and encourage pursuit of technical skills fields has the potential to not only benefit a wide variety of learners, but also address our achievement gap directly. I am very excited to be a member of the EP Chamber and have the opportunity to lead the efforts to bring the resources and energy of our local businesses to bear for the betterment of Eden Prairie kids.3.Discuss any specific changes you would like to make in school district policies, programs or curricula.I was very fortunate growing up in Eden Prairie in an exemplary school district that provided a superb education. Eden Prairie Schools are already a special place to grow up, so we don't need radical or shocking changes to continue our standards of excellence. What we need to do is fight to maintain the special qualities that have helped make Eden Prairie special. That's why I'm working hard to engage our excellent teachers and staff to take advantage of all their ideas brought by the experience of working with our kids. I will continue and enrich our cooperation with our vibrant and generous local business community. I will make sure parents know their thoughts and concerns are listened to and easy to express. And I will insist we continue to improve transparency so decisions that impact our schools are understood.

I would like to continue and strengthen existing efforts to ensure learning across the elementary schools is compatible. While it is definitely important to empower the teachers and workers in each individual school to address the strengths and challenges unique to each building, it is also crucial that fundamental concepts and materials are universal enough that no time wasting gaps between students exist entering CMS. A persistent effort to communicate across the district can accomplish this goal without damaging the flexibility and creativity of the great teachers in each building. This will guarantee our elementary learners receive the individualized educated they need, but also are ready to go on day one in middle schools.

4. What recommendations do you have for the school district to save money?The passage of the referendum levi was a major opportunity for our schools, but also a major responsibility for our school board. Our focus needs to be guaranteeing the promises made to the voters as to how that money is spent will be fulfilled, and the new funds will not be diverted to different priorities.5.How will you engage the community to improve Eden Prairie public schools?I’m making a commitment to maintain every line of communication for my entire term on the board. I will maintain my website, continue to provide my contact information publicly, and never stop searching for new avenues to provide information. School Board meetings are held publicly, but sometimes people have a hard time finding information on the issues they're interested in. I’ll work to make sure everybody knows when major votes and discussions are taking place so input is welcomed and transparency is maintained.

6. Will you attend the Eden Prairie School Board Candidate Fair at 6:00-7:30PM, Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Eden Prairie Library to meet the voters and respond to individual questions?Yes, I'm excited about it!

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